Study Tips

Studying is the onlyway to learn, as you already know. You can study by reading, watching, and doing - but not by watching T.V.
Some methods work well for some but not so much for others. Here are some tips to consider:

1. When reading a textbook, use one to three different-colored highlighters. Use one color to highlight terms. Use another color to highlight important ideas/concepts while keeping in mind what a professor might ask on a test. Use a third to highlight areas that you want to look into more at a later time. You do not have to highlight entire lines so that your textbook looks more like a piece of art than words of wisdom. If several lines or paragraphs are important, you can consider drawing arrows or lines next to them. Highlighting can help you later when you're reviewing. Instead of reading the entire section to be tested, you can skim over the background information and concentrate on the highlights. By the way, as much as many wish that studying can be done by osmosis, reading what you are assigned will generally help a lot more!

2. To keep stress and time managed (somewhat), you might want to expect to do MORE work than normal, especially when you do group work. Some people are lucky to be in groups where everyone does their fair share while others are not so lucky. You may also want to prepare to be the leader of the group, too, so that there is someone to delegate and keep everyone on track.

3. When in class, take good notes. If you find that you cannot keep up with the professor, consider using a recorder and/or a laptop. Sitting in the front of the classroom might help you to listen better and to make you feel more comfortable participating in discussions.

4. If you are having a difficult time understanding material or are not sure how to write a paper, talking with your professor might just be the key. There are many professors who are willing to clarify concepts and even set aside time for personal tutorials. You can also ask fellow classmates if they're willing to come to your aid. As many of you have noticed, different professors prefer different ways of writing papers. By discussing with them upfront what they want, you will generally have a better chance of writing a "good" paper.

5. As you may already know, you should probably study: in well-lit areas in quiet areas (although some believe that listening to the radio or watching television actually helps) when you're not falling asleep - try to study during the times you can concentrate better (some people study better at night than during the day) when you're not starving - even your brain needs food; a healthy diet should be to your advantage in spurts - study for maybe a half-hour and then take a SHORT (5 to 15 minutes) break ahead of time - studying only the night before a test will probably not be as effective as studying for a few days or weeks before (unless procrastination works for you) by observing (and applying to) the business situations that go on around you to help you reinforce your learning (e.g. buying a car, renting a home, eating at a restaurant, etc.)

6. Someone once said that eating something with sugar (as long as it doesn't hurt your health) a couple of hours before a test might help. Someone also once said that going to sleep right after studying will help you to retain more.

7. Utilize the various study guides found on the Business Majors site. You need to decide if these methods could work for you.

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